Hot Topics:

Bob Morehouse: Municipal energy -- Invest back in our community

Posted:
04/20/2013 01:00:00 AM MDT

My congratulations to the City Council for moving forward toward a cleaner energy future. They did the right thing in continuing to explore the possibilities of local control over what amounts to a third of our greenhouse gas emissions, a critical step in lowering our overall carbon footprint.

Like most Boulder residents, I am concerned about our excessive use of fossil fuels and their impact on our environment. Each of us needs to own our personal contribution to the problem, and do what we can within our means, to reduce our carbon footprint.

One important approach is to seek power sources from renewable fuels. While I was initially skeptical about Boulder owning its electric utility, I've been extremely impressed with the careful study done by the city, and the modeling that predicts we can cut in half the greenhouse gas component of our power generation. The models indicate we can do that without raising rates or adding risk.

As a business owner, I'm especially intrigued by how local ownership will benefit the many innovative technology companies in Boulder. Local ownership means we can invest back in our own community. Progressive cities across the country are reaping the rewards of energy innovation when decisions are kept at the local level. One example is Austin, Texas, where the synergy of industry, university and government is in full swing. Witness the innovation hotbed Pecan Street Project and its remarkable Pike Powers Lab. Energy research is an important part of our Boulder economy, and local ownership would enhance those efforts.

Advertisement

There likely will be well-funded opposition to the path we're on, but I'm confident we'll arrive at a cleaner solution to our energy needs. It is a legacy for which future generations will be grateful.

Boulder is pretty good at producing rock bands, and by "rock," we mean the in-your-face, guitar-heavy, leather-clad variety — you know, the good kind. For a prime example, look no farther than BANDITS. Full Story